In today’s homes, the dining table is once again becoming the place where the family gathers most often – but not as you might expect. In addition to using the space to eat, we all use the dining table to help our children with their homework, work from home on our laptops, or engage in other family activities like game night.
Each household has different needs. Since everyone wants a dining table to fit their style of living, we need to consider everything – the design, practicality, size, and last but not least, the material.
The top two biggest mistakes people make when selecting a dining table is the size and the material, so let’s dive into what you need to look out for!
Size
In order to sit comfortably at the table, a person needs to have a space of about 60 centimeters wide. The height of the dining table should match the kitchen work surface, which is usually around 75 centimeters high.
Short on space but often have people round? Folding or round tables that can accommodate more people are ideal for you.
Due to the variety of activities these days, a dining table with compartments or drawers where things that get in the way can be put away is really handy. Various large serving trays can also be a good help in this case, on which unnecessary things can be quickly and easily transferred to another area when you need the space. Trays are also great for serving drinks and snacks at parties.
When selecting a dining table, make sure the tabletop is about 30 centimeters higher than the seat of the chairs, whose material, shape or color does not always have to match the table, but can contrast slightly. This will give the dining area a lively atmosphere, which will be enhanced by fun accessories in the form of place settings, a table runner, or perhaps candlesticks, vases, and other various decorations.
Material
When it comes to selecting a dining table, the material of the table is extremely important! Most people start considering glass or wood. The advantage of the latter is the ease of maintenance and the natural look that makes the interior cozy. A quality table made from solid wood like oak is a statement piece in itself, and with its timeless look, it can visually blend in with both traditional and modern pieces of furniture. Make sure to treat it well with wax or balm, and consider using both heat-proof coasters and a tablecloth when serving food & drink, to ensure minimal damage.
A glass table is particularly suitable for a room with a purely modern feel, where it will enhance its minimalism and elegance.. However, the elegance of glass comes with risks in the form of more demanding maintenance, where every fingerprint will be visible on the top, and the threat of scratches. Resistance to stains and damage to the board is enhanced by tempered glass, which has increased strength and impact resistance.
The material of the table legs and table top may vary. At the same time, industrial style tables are popular, which have a distinctive solid top and quality metal legs. Country-style tables are also popular, which, on the other hand, combine a natural wooden top with white wooden legs.
Keep these tips in mind when selecting a dining table as it’s a big purchase and you don’t want to be stuck with something that won’t work for you or your family.
